6. Last Day of School!

Luz practically jumped out of her bed as her alarm went off. She was full of energy as she made her way to her closet. Today was a special day! It was the last day of school! As a special bonus for it being the last day the school was allowing free dress. Luz knew exactly what she wanted to wear as she went to her closest and picked out her cat hoodie shirt, jean shorts and leggings. It felt like so long since she's worn it, even though she had occasionally donned it on weekends. In no time at all she was dressed in her Cat hoodie shirt and shorts and bounded downstairs to find her mother.

Her mother was listening to music in the kitchen and didn't notice Luz enter.

"And he stole from the rich and the poor and the not very rich and the very poor, and he stole our hearts away, he stole all hearts away, he stole all hearts  awaaayayayaayayayaa, he stole our hearts awaaaaaaaaaay……" sang Camilla with the song as it was ending.

"Bravo Mom," Luz said as the song ended. Camilla turned around to face Luz.

"Oh I didn't hear you come in Luz, you surprised me," said Camila.

"Don’t stop on my account," said Luz, "you were jamming to that song."

"Well it's over now, but you can bet I'll be jamming to it some other time. In any case let's get you ready for your last day at school Mija. Are you excited!"

"You bet I am!" said Luz happily.

"And considering what happened earlier it's nice to see you in such high spirits," said Camila, "I'm proud of you Luz, you've come a long way."

"Gracias mama!" said Luz, as she went to hug her mother.

Before long Luz had arrived at school, the other students were also in high spirits over it being the last day of school and there was a general air of excitement. Luz found her friends outside the entrance. Sasha was wearing a T-shirt that said "Bad Girl" on it with some shorts and sandals. Ann was wearing a nice sun dress with flowers on it also in sandals. Marcy had apparently forgotten about free dress.

"Oh Marcy what happened?" asked Luz.

"Eh I forgot about free dress," she replied, "All though that's a cool shirt Luz."

"Oh I haven't even shown you the best part," replied Luz as she flipped her hoodie up over her head and revealed it's cat ears, "meow meow!"

"So cute," said Marcy mesmerized by the cat ears, "Luz wear did you get that hoodie? I want one!"

"Oh well it was at a store at the mall, I'll show you when we go there later," answered Luz, "too bad I didn't show you earlier you could have worn it today."

"Oh well we have the whole summer for free dress now," said Marcy, "It's no biggie that I forgot today."

"You would forget about that wouldn't you Marbles," said Sasha somewhat dismissively, "in any case, LAST DAY OF SCHOOL GIRLS!!!" All four girls let out a shout of delight at this and came together in one big group hug.

"All we have to do is get through today and the we have the whole summer to party," exclaimed Sasha

"Well maybe not the whole summer," said Anne, "My parents have already said that they want me to work part-time at the restaurant. Although they did promise to pay me this time,"

"You're only twelve Anne," began Sasha, "Isn't there a law or something against that?"

"Apparently not when your parents are the owners of the business," said Anne, "but hey on the plus side it means I'll be making some money. That means when I'm not working I'll have money to go places and buy some new things. I do agree though we definitely have to have a party of some kind over the summer."

"Oh don't you worry girls" said Sasha to the group, "I'm already planning to have a big slumber party at some point over the summer. Oh Luz I just wanted to make sure you knew but you are totally invited. Anne and Marcy have been to ones I've had in the past."

Luz's eyes practically lite up at this invitation, she even found herself blushing slightly, "Wow! You mean it! I get to come to a slumber party with you guys? What are we gonna do at this party?"

Sasha grinned and nodded to Marcy and Anne. The three of them linked arms and then chanted, "pajamas, junk food, and gossip galore! Pillow fights, movies, and tearing up the dance floor! And listen up cause this I won't repeat. NEVER EVER GO TO SLEEP!"

"I've trained you well," said Sasha to Anne and Marcy.

"Though that's not all," said Anne, "there's also the scare dare challenge!"

"The what?!" asked Luz.

"Eh let's leave that for the actual party," said Sasha deviously, "wouldn't wanna spoil the fun for you Luz. In any case you all make sure and let me know when you have a free night. This party will be off the hook!"

"How about you Luz? Any plans for the summer?" asked Anne.

"No not really," replied Luz, "maybe catch up on some anime, play some games, or re-read the Azura series again, Kinda wish I could get a job to get some extra money. Would love to get the new Flame Emblem game."

"Oh yeah did you hear? They say this one is going to be the best one yet," said Marcy, "this time you have to choose between one of three different kingdoms to serve. Depending on which one you choose you may even end up fighting against your former friends…."

"Oh man that sounds rough," said Luz, "can you imagine if we ever had to fight against each other?"

A beat of silence passed between the girls, before they finally all laughed at this statement.

"Ha that's a good one Luz," laughed Sasha, "you are such a kidder."

"So Marcy what are you doing over the summer?" asked Luz.

"Uhg my parents signed me up for some extra tutoring," said Marcy, "it's not like I even need it but they want me to have a shot at getting into some honors courses in high school!"

"Hey speaking of which can you believe that's only a little over a year away?" said Anne excitedly, "at the end of summer we'll be in eighth grade and then after that we'll be in high school! YEAH YEAH!"

"Oh I am totally ready for that," said Sasha, "I might even tryout for junior varsity cheerleader my freshmen year. In fact I'm going to be getting in some extra training over the summer. Looks like all of us have plans over the summer, but we will have to make time to get together for sure."

"Yeah but we are gonna hang after today right?" asked Luz.

"You bet," said Sasha, "My mom is picking us up after school we'll head to the mall and hang there."

"And I have a cavern adventure ready to go!" exclaimed Marcy fishing in her backpack before producing several sheets of paper and assorted dice. "We can start our new adventure at the mall. Oh which reminds me Luz I have your character sheet ready to go!"

Marcy handed Luz her character sheet that showed her stats for starting as white mage. Luz looked it over and was shocked to see her name

"Wow I actually get to be the Good Witch Luzura," she said in amazement.

"Of course," said Marcy, "I'll go over some of the stats with you."

With that the girls entered the school ready for their last day.

After what felt like an eternity the final bell rung and school was out of the summer! All the students were in high spirits as they exited the school for the last time that year. None more so than the four girls who ran out arm in arm ready for summer break. They met Mrs. Waybright, got in her car, and drove to the mall. As they were dropped off Sasha hung back to talk with her mother in private.

"Hey Mom will dad be back from his business trip soon?"

"Sweetie you know how busy your father is," answered her mother, "Remember he's doing all this to support you so we can have money for your school and parties."

"I know it's just I wish I could see him more often," said Sasha slightly depressed.

"You know he misses you too dear," said Mrs. Waybright, before reaching into her purse and handing Sasha some cash, "here treat your friends to lunch. Have a good time! I'll pick you up at 6pm." With that she drove away.

Sasha turned back to her friends putting on a brave face, "hey all mom gave me money for lunch, let's get a pizza!"

The girls made their way around the mall looking at all the things it had to offer and stopping in various stores. Luz found the store where she had bought her hoodie and showed it to Marcy. Marcy went in and was able to locate a similar hoodie in a green color. As soon as she bought it she took the tags off and put it on, glad to have something different to wear. As they walked through the mall though Luz seemed to notice that one of the security guards was watching them. She pointed this out to the girls and was told the details by Sasha.

"Oh that's Frank," she said sounding annoyed, "He's had it in for me ever since he thought he caught me shoplifting."

"What?" said Luz surprised.

"Yeah it was when Anne and I were together at the mall, he thought he saw me putting things in my pocket and even had me escorted to security," said Sasha, "but they searched my pockets and found nothing. So they let me go. He's had it out for me ever since."

"Oh I'm sorry to hear that," said Luz, "Sounds like he was stereotyping you just for being a teen girl in the mall. I mean you weren't really shoplifting were you?"

"Of course not," replied Sasha, though as she said this she winked at Anne. Anne looked back at her a bit uncomfortably and tried to change the subject.

"So that hoodie looks good on you Marcy, maybe when I get some money I'll get one too, then we can all match," said Anne.

After walking around the girls returned to the food court to split a pizza and set up their game.

"Ok everyone," said Marcy as she looked over her notes, "we all meet in at an the Horned Frog Inn. It's located in a small town where news of the Emperor is scarce and people go about their daily lives not knowing the true horrors he's committed. But our heroes know, and in fact they have come together united in a single purpose, to defeat the emperor and restore peace to this land! The heroes sitting in the Inn go around the table introducing themselves telling who they are and why they have come to oppose this malevolent force."

"Uh what now?" asked Luz confused.

"Just say who you are and what your backstory is," said Marcy.

"Oh but I don’t have a backstory," admitted Luz.

"That's okay" said Anne, "just make one up, that's part of the fun of this game. Here you go last so you can see what the rest of us do."

"Ahem," began Sasha, "I am Slash the Warrior, heroic orc from the shadowlands. Although my people have assisted the emperor in his tyranny. I find that he treats us no better than he does the ones he oppresses. Therefore I have broken from them and come to fight with you in order to bring an end to the Emperor's rule. My strength is unparalleled with all manner of weapons: swords, spears, axes, and bows.

"I am Lady Annabelle the Paladin of his majesty's elite force," exclaimed Anne, "Once I served the old king faithfully, but then the Emperor took over and slaughtered my brothers and sisters in arms. I am the only survivor of the Paladins, but I will see justice done against the Emperor for his crimes. My swords will help to strike down evil while my shield and armor will protect myself and my companions from it's touch.

"My true name is unknown, but you may call me 'M'," began Marcy, "Perhaps someday when my trust in you has grown I will reveal my true name. But as it is being a thief requires a certain amount of stealth and anonymity. I am but a simple thief and care little for the nobles who rule us. But I have no love for the Emperor either as his restrictive laws have included harsher punishments for thieves. I grew up on the streets and have had to fend for myself my whole life. I'm not the strongest fighter and prefer knives or swords, but you may have need of my skills.

All eyes turned to Luz as she still struggled to come up with something to say. Though after a moment she took a breath and spoke, "I am the good witch Luzura. I was away on a magical quest when the good king was overthrown. Had I been present I would have stopped the emperor or died trying. I feel a sense of shame for not being present to help defend the kingdom, but that is why I have joined with you. I will make amends for my failing and help you defeat the Emperor. I am frail and not very strong physically, but my magic is certain to help you when you have need of it."

"And so," began Marcy, "the four heroes unite on their quest to defeat the Emperor, what will happened along the way? Will new friendships be made or old ones broken? Will the heroes succeed or fail in their quest? Will they acquire the hidden sacred weapons that may be the best chance against the Emperor? We shall soon see. So Sasha seeing as you have the highest Charisma you decide our first course of action."

With that the adventure was underway. The four girls left the Inn and after a few conversations with various townsfolk made their way to nearby cave, where there were rumors of evil creatures afoot.

"So the rumors are that an old witch is living in this cave," narrated Marcy, "if you brave the dangers of it you may meet her and perhaps learn something more about the Emperor. As you enter the cave its darkness engulfs your vision making it harder to see. Your accuracy will suffer if you don't have a light source. Uh-oh did we forget to buy a lamp in town?"

"Oh come on none of us had a lamp already on us?" asked Sasha in frustration.

"Sorry Sash," said Marcy, "rules are rules. Although we might have a fix. Luzura knows a basic light spell that could help us out."

"Ah right," said Luz looking over her character sheet, "I cast a light spell from my staff to light up the cave."

"The good witch Luzura raises up her staff and a bright light emanates from it filling the cave in front of you," began  Marcy, "ok we have a light source now, no penalties to our accuracy. By the way Luz you can use the spell offensively, it's not the strongest spell but it does do extra damage to dark creatures and demons."

"Ok great I'll keep that in mind," said Luz.

"Since we're entering an area that's bound to have creatures in it let me take the lead," said Anne, "I've got the best armor so if something surprises us I can deal with it, Sash you follow behind and Luz you stay behind us."

"As you venture into the cave you encounter a giant spider!" exclaimed Marcy, "roll for initiative!" The girls all rolled their dice.

"Okay I act first," declared Marcy, "I attempt to steal from the spider," Marcy rolled her dice again, but the result was not a good one.

"Ah dang-it the steal fails," she said in frustration.

"My turn," said Anne, "i go for an attack," she rolled her dice and got a good result.

"Yes I deal 225 points of damage," said Anne triumphantly.

"I'm next," said Sasha, "I opt to attack with my axe," Sahsa rolled her dice to reveal a critical strike!

"And with  that the monster falls," declared Marcy, "you search the remains and find a variety of spider silk. This silk is very valuable to the right person. Could be worth some gold later on."

The girls continued journeying into the cave and fighting monsters. They developed a good rhythm to the battles though Luz lamented that she wasn't given much to do with how the battles progressed. Before long they arrived at what looked like a camp of some sort. Their were various trinkets and bottles strewn about.

"The witch of the cave sits by a fire," narrated Marcy, "a long cloak covers her face. As you approach she says nothing. Sasha you're up first."

Sasha thought for a moment before saying, "I point my sword straight at her and attempt to intimidate her into telling us more about the Emperor."

"Sasha no what are you doing!?" exclaimed Luz, "we were trying  to get her on our side. Why are you starting with a threat?"

"We don't know anything about her," said Sasha, "for all we know she could be an agent of the Emperor. So does my threat work?"

"Uh no sorry," said Marcy, "not only does your threat not work but she retaliates by casting a sleep spell on you. Roll for willpower save or you fall asleep for 5 turns." Sasha rolled and unfortunately failed.

"Sorry Sash, the sleep spell causes you to instantly fall asleep. You are unable to act for the next five turns, your turn Anne" said Marcy.

"I approach cautiously and ask the witch if she used to work for the emperor," said Anne.

"The witch responds by saying that was a rather personal question and she does not like your face and decides to change it for you. She casts a transformation spell on you and turns you into a frog," replied Marcy.

"What?!" said Anne, "I asked nicely."

"Your turn Luz," said Marcy.

Luz struggled with what to do before finally deciding, "I approach the witch and apologize for my companion's threat and tell her that we were desperate to get information about the Emperor. I also ask for her help as a fellow practitioner of magic."

"The witch is pleased by your words and restores the form of Annabelle as well as awakens Slash," said Marcy, "furthermore she gives a stern warning to the group about threatening witches in the future. After that she invites you for tea and begins to tell you all that she knows about the Emperor."

The girls continued playing though eventually they had to wrap it up as it was time to leave.

"Man we got pretty far," said Luz

"Yeah thanks to you Luzura," said Anne, "you bailed us out of that encounter with the witch and then we were able to get instructions about what to do next."

"Well I hope that witch wasn't lying to us," said Sasha.

"I guess we’ll see," said Marcy.

"In any case it was great spending time with all of you," said Sasha, "We'll have to do this again over the summer, so girls let me know when would be a great night to have our sleepover."

"For sure," the others responded.

"If that's that I guess we better get going, my mom will be here soon," said Sasha with that the girls all came together for one large group hug.

"HAVE A GREAT SUMMER!!!" They all said in unison to each other.